An independent review by a military watchdog has found flaws in the investigation of a sexual assault allegation against former army officer Dany Fortin. The investigation, dating back to 1988 when Fortin was at military college, was criticized for tunnel vision, bias, and a lack of oversight, according to the Military Police Complaints Commission’s report released today.
Despite the findings, the commission stated that there was no evidence to support Fortin’s assertion that external pressure influenced the prosecution of the case. However, the commission’s chairperson, Tammy Tremblay, highlighted concerns about investigative bias, inadequate supervision, and a failure to uphold core investigative standards in the handling of Fortin’s case.
Fortin, a former major-general in the military, was relieved of his duties leading Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution in May 2021 while facing investigation. He was later acquitted of one count of sexual assault in a civilian court in December 2022 and retired in 2023 after reaching a settlement with the military and government officials.